Tammie Michael is an Adult/Geriatric Nurse Practitioner, but she is first and foremost a nurse. I have had the honor of being Tammie's student in the AGPCNP program for two full semesters now. Over these months I have seen a level of compassion and advocacy for patients like no other. So many instances stand out in my mind on the excellent care Tammie provides to her patients, but recently, one visit to a patient's home truly exemplified just how much Tammie loves caring for others and is a true hero to her patients.
Recently, a geriatric patient who is normally seen in the UTMB Adult/Geriatric clinics had missed multiple appointments. It was found that his severe COPD and numerous chronic conditions were keeping him homebound and bedbound. Despite a full schedule for the week, Tammie was happy to stop by the patient's home to assess the situation. On arrival at his house, it was found that the patient was not living in sanitary/optimal conditions. Months of being severely ill with little to no resources do not make for good health/living circumstances. Not to be too vivid, but it appeared as though the home went through Hurricane Ike and Hurricane Harvey without seeing a single repair. Meeting the patient, it was clear he felt blessed with what little he had and was simply happy he would be getting care in his home without having to burden a friend who would take him to his clinic appointments. Sadly, the patient knew how sick he was and Tammie compassionately discussed Hospice options with him. He was open to the idea but only if he could stay in his home, he made it very clear that he did not want to leave what was familiar to him. This meant Tammie had to think critically about bringing in a second party, such as a Hospice company that might call APS and try to have the patient removed from his living situation against his will. Tammie reached out to the community for resources to assemble a team to help clean his home and create a more sanitary environment. With the patient's permission, Tammie personally went to his home with a group of volunteers and started cleaning. They patched floors, scrubbed walls, pulled up moldy carpet pads, mowed the lawn and so forth. These small actions made a lasting impact on everyone involved including the patient. Tammie goes above and beyond for her patients on a daily basis. Tammie loves her patients like no other practitioner I have seen before. She is a true DAISY Nurse.